SHINNECOCK NATION, N.Y. (NEWS10) – The tribal Solarthon will kick off Thursday as part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to helping build clean energy and strong economies in Indian Country.

GRID Alternatives, the nation’s largest nonprofit solar installer, is partnering with the Shinnecock Nation on October 1 to bring solar power to this northeastern coastal community, which suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy three years ago.

GRID Alternatives is working to raise funds and install solar energy infrastructure for 50 families on the Shinnecock Nation and a battery backup system, starting with two installations this week that will also provide hands-on job training for tribal members.

This event helps to kick off part of GRID Alternatives’s two-week Tribal Solarthon to bring solar power and job training to four tribal communities in New York, California, Arizona and South Dakota.